Sometimes refered to as Sport Aikido, Tomiki style differs from the other schools of Aikido by having competitive tournaments as a method to test ones ability and the effectiveness of techniques. It is not compulsory to take part in competition however as it represents only a part of overall training.

Competition usually consists of bouts where the participants take turns to attack the other with a soft tanto (knife). The defender attempts to avoid the strikes and score points by throwing the attacker.

Tomiki Aikido consists of soft and flowing techniques and is therefore suitable and effective for both men and women of all levels of fitness.